Plans for a multi-day event dubbed Falcon Fest have raised concerns and stirred memories of Bowling Green
residents in neighborhoods where large numbers of Bowling Green State University students reside.
Created on Facebook several weeks ago by Josh Clay, a BGSU student, and Stephen Lambert, a former
student, Falcon Fest is intended as a street festival along the lines of those held in Athens, home of
Ohio University.
Both city and BGSU officials have been in contact with Clay, and appear to have had some success in
toning down the idea and pointing out potential legal and liability issues.
For example, early plans promoted the pre-sale of wristbands for those planning to attend and drink
alcohol. Those plans have been dropped.
In an early Facebook post, Clay wrote: "I say that starting Thursday April 14th, BG has a fest, but
it’s of course up for debate. Let’s call it Falcon Fest. Just a massive party weekend."
Michael Ginsberg, associate dean of students at BGSU, said he became aware of the event March 29 and met
with Clay on March 31. "I made him aware of liability and legal issues and that wrist bands were a
concern because of the issues of selling liquor." Ginsberg said he also pointed out how hard the
university and the community have worked to move beyond these types of events and the problems they
cause.
Ginsberg said that in talking with students and student leaders he has a sense that many students do not
have any plans to attend because they see a "high potential for negative consequences."
A meeting has been held with city police, university police and state liquor agents, along with a
representative of the local landlord association. "It is my understanding that the landlords are
making an effort to point out to tenants the legal issues that are in the leases," Ginsberg said.

An email requesting a comment from Clay had not been answered by presstime.
BG Police Division Lt. Brad Biller said this morning he has spoken with organizers to make them aware of
the potential criminal and civil liabilities of hosting a party.
He said parties are a circumstance of the fall and spring in Bowling Green and the police cannot stop
someone from having a party. At the same time he knows residents will react to noise, trash and other
issues and the police will have to become involved.
City officials said they have no plans to shut down streets to accommodate parties.
The city does have a process to obtain a block party permit. However, the permit requires that every
property owner on the affected street signs a petition. That petition must be submitted to the municipal
administrator/director of safety along with specific information on the time, date, location and reason
for the proposed closure.
As of this morning no petitions have been filed.